The group had gathered around waiting for Darien's response. Jadeite's smirk in place he stated, " Well we know what that pause means I mean if you're not up to the challenge I understand." A teasing tone heard in his voice.

Serena stood next to Darien ready to jump in if Jadeite crossed a line. She knew Jadeite meant no harm but Darien did not seem in the mood for games tonight. Raye snuggled up next to Jadeite and stated, "Na Darien can't hang babe, let's just let him be," At this Darien responded, "Really Raye you too, you're going to try to persuade me?" Feeling the tension in the room Serena spoke up, "Raye butt out we both know who would win anyways. At this Jadeite snorted and Raye walked in front of him. Damn it why was she defending him she should just shut up before Raye bites her head off thought the small blonde.

"Oh really well for sure I can outdrink you, light weight doesn't even come close to describing you" came Raye's coy reply. Knowing Serena would become impulsive and competitive as she tended to get when she drank, Raye smiled at the floor, turning around to wink at her friends behind her. Ignorant to their plan Serena and Darien had no idea that their opponents had consumed a loaf of bread that would help the alcohol dilute.

"Fine pyro Darien and I versus you two now losing team takes whatever punishment the winning team seems fitting," said Serena then adding "Legal Jadeite!"

"Sure sure Sere whatever you say," came Jadeite's calm yet confident reply. The group of friends stood around a high table, allowing the couple and non-couple to stand across from each other. Even Mina and Kunzite had taken a break from their dancing to watch the spectacle.

Thought weary of the plan they had arranged, Kunzite decided it was best if he host the contest stating, "All right each pair orders their choice of shot or shooter then the other chooses. First person deemed inoperable loses ultimately causing their team to lose."

"In English Kunzite" said Jadeite

"You pass out, throw up, can't stand up, can't talk or are just can't continue loses" replied Kunzite a hand on his face. "Now heads or tails Serena and Raye?"

"Heads!" yelled out Serena, Raye obviously stuck with tails. "Tails it is Raye and Jadeite go ahead, "said Kunzite.

"Jagger bombs" said Raye knowing how much Serena hated the taste of energy drinks.

"Raye what the hell!" said Serena completely annoyed. "Oh don't be such a baby and drink," said Raye a hint of mischief in her eyes.

Bringing the shot up to her lips she drank it pursing her lips in dislike for the drink. Darien followed without even a blink. Jadeite and Raye followed with no problem whatsoever much to Serena's dismay. Thinking of Raye's dislike for overbearing sweet liquor Serena proclaimed, "Blowjob"

Gritting her teeth Raye took the shot and whipped her mouth with the back of her hand stating, "Ugh that's disgusting."

"Babe you never say that me," said Jadeite a smirk on his overconfident face, a smack to the head brought him back down. A chuckle escaped Darien's lips while the rest of the group erupted in laughter.

"What happened Jadeite? I thought she knew where the line was drawn!" teased Nephrite

"Lemon drops," roared Jadeite desperate to change the direction of the conversation. Four shots later all four at the table pursed their lips.

Darien followed suit "Vodka Slammer."

"Believe me she does when you're not around" said Serena happy to agitate the fellow blonde. While Raye held in a laugh that's what her cocky boyfriend got for being a smartass.

"What?" said Jadeite before realizing what Serena was alluding to, his eyes narrowing in.

"Are we here to gossip or drink?" said Darien uncomfortable with where the conversation was headed.

"Fine fine, Grandpa didn't know you had such a hang-up on blowjobs," said Jadeite teasing the dark haired man.

"Oh believe me he doesn't" said Serena before taking the latest shot. The rest of the group staring at her aware that soon Serena would be out of the game.

Blushing for a few seconds, Darien glared at Serena who shrugged at him. "What they all heard you that time we went camping," Darien became lost in his thoughts recalling memories that did him no good now.

"I fucken knew it lost my earring my ass!" said Jadeite who nudged Nephrite in the ribs, "You owe me 20 bucks from that."

At that comment, Nephrite snorted holding the brunette in his arms. " I hope Serena can keep up she gets really hansy when she drinks," said Lita in Nephrite's ear to which he answered, " We are sort of counting on that but Darien seems to be holding up good for someone who doesn't drink much. And we didn't count on Serena possibly pissing him off which she will do if she doesn't shut up soon."

Jaw clenched and arms crossed, Serena took the hint to shut up ordering the next round. A few rounds later Raye was clenching her side laughing at every little thing Jadeite said. While Jadeite felt the warmth of alcohol nearly consume him, Darien felt the same problem and was having some problem holding his balance. That was until he leaned closer to Serena finding center with her. At this thought he shook his head. Serena took advantage whispering into his ear, "Couldn't wait to press up against me could you Shields?" she teased a slight slur heard in her voice.

"You've been drinking, so for that I'll dismiss your comment," he said having a hard time staying neutral. Looking down to see her flushed face he felt an arm wrap around his abdomen, ready to protest her action he was interrupted by the very women molding to his body.

"On the contrary we are the most honest when our inhibitions are off" came the blonde's cool reply.

Surprised by her answered Darien arched a brow while she leaned forward and said "Plus, you're sexy like this, free not so concerned with the rest of the world."

Eyes locked, midnight blue meeting sky blue eyes, Serena held his gaze waiting for his putdown the shield he had created for her, Serena armor she laughed breaking the stare. Yet Darien continued staring at her face admiring her rosy cheeks, crystal blue eyes, and rose-petal lips that parted in laughter.

Not as intoxicated as they were pretending to be Raye and Jadeite noticed the game would be coming to an end thanks to Serena. " Okay I give, I feel like I'm going to fall over if I put one foot in front of the other," said Serena.

Still staring at her lips, Darien said," I thinks it's best we stop, we wouldn't want anything to happen to Serena" The "we" serving for a distraction of Darien's true feelings for Serena.

"Of course for the lady… But you two still have your punishment" said Jadeite a smug Raye next to him.

"Kiss" said Jadeite in an indifferent tone. The girls stared at their partners thinking this was not part of the plan it was way too much, it would end with Darien rejecting Serena. As well as Serena digging herself into a deeper hole, Nephrite, Kunzite, and Zoicite all stared at Jadeite thinking what an idiot he was going to wreck the small progress they had made that night. Mina pulled on Kunzite's arm a small plea seen in her eyes one that said stop this now. Before Kunzite or anyone else could interfere a voice broke all thoughts.

"No" said Serena "Kissing me is not punishment if anything it's a privilege."

Surprised by his ex's reply, Darien said, "Of course. Plus what are you five Jadeite? How incredibly insensitive of you, think of Serena."

"That's not it at all I don't care if we kiss, it just shouldn't be a punishment. I'd kiss you anytime any day that's not the big deal," replied Serena growing angrier by the minute how dare he, she was tired of his polite and condescending tone.

Turning around to face him she leaned forward an inch or two between them.

"Doesn't mean anything to me and even less to you right? So kiss me or admit it does" came Serena's strong reply the alcohol clouding any filter and fear she had for rejection.

Darien stood flabbergasted by the petite blonde various emotions filling him at the moment. Anger for the way she was trying to deny her feelings the same ones he felt burning brightly, for his futile attempt to cover his emotions and for Jadeite's stupid idea of a game. Frustration for the situation he had allowed himself to get into, lust for Serena's no nonsense attitude her overall appeal. Consumed by her close proximity all he saw felt and smelled was her. His mind clouded with pictures of them tangled in bed, lips trailing on her soft body while she moaned beneath him. Deciding he had to get out or he would give in he took a step back before leaving the small group of friends.

Tears filled Serena eyes but she held them in, every day Darien seemed to becoming more and more callous towards her, she was starting to realize Darien didn't love her anymore and she had to move on. The girls went towards Serena who held a hand up, "I'm fine really" a tremble heard in her voice. Not fooled by her act Amy continued towards her engulfing Serena into a tight hug.

Noticing Darien still at the bar, Kunzite took the seat next to him, "Well that was intense to say the least" replied the silver haired man.

"What are you here to lecture me too, Raye already yelled, Lita nearly knocked me out, and your sweet Mina even came to glare at me. I feel like an ass Kunzite," said a defeated Darien.

The silver haired man stared at his friend not sure of why he chose this route but concluding it was something very serious if it had the power to tear him from the woman he obviously loved.

"I don't understand Darien. Nothing could tear me from Mina, I can't understand but I'm not here to lecture you I just want you to do me a favor," said Kunzite.

Darien nodded urging him to continue, "Look at her just look at her, imagine what you'll do when it's not just you that separates the two of you but when she chooses to move on, because she will eventually. Someone will be there and he will pick up the pieces," came Kunzite's reply.

A knot formed in Darien's throat but said nothing only leaning up to grip Kunzite's shoulder, "Then so be it as long as she's safe"

The answer left Kunzite uneasy what the hell was going on he thought. Why couldn't he tell them? Why didn't he try to fight?

The group of friends dispersed. Jadeite and Raye heading east along with Lita and Nephrite, the couples unhappy with the outcome of their plan. Zoicite headed back to his home kissing Amy before she took her own cab home. Mina stood next to Kunzite's motorcycle while he stared off into the night, "That wasn't exactly what we expected but he definitely still feels something," said Mina in a soft tone. Handing her a helmet Kunzite replied, "It will work out love; he's starting to realize just how much his life is changing without her." Unsure of his reply Mina joined him on the bike placing her head on his back before releasing a sigh.

Serena waited outside for the taxi she had called contemplating the night. She took a deep breathe leaning against a lamp post she was fool for acting the way she had, she was a masochist who seemed to enjoy the rejection Darien gave her. Unknown to her Darien watched her just wanting to know she was safe, yes that's all he wanted he tried to convince himself. "Who am I fucking kidding" he said to himself running a hand through his hair, a habit he since childhood when he grew frustrated.

He would have to take more precautions with Serena if he truly wanted their relationship to die. That last thought hit him like bucket of cold water as he thought of all he was giving up for a bunch of visions. The day after the first vision Serena had suffered a nasty fall though she had not suffered much harm it made him a bit suspicious. As their plans for matrimony continued the visions got stronger more vivid and Darien grew more restless barely sleeping. The next day Serena was almost hit by a car thanks to a bystander that pulled her out of the way she was saved. He could no longer deny it that chilly fall morning he told her he couldn't do this anymore that he had to do right by her. The sound of a car broke his thoughts, his blonde entered the cab and drove off once again he scolded himself she was no longer his.

Serena came home breaking into tears as she felt safe and comfortable to do in her own home. Allowing the pain to consume her she broke down against the door. Her tears continued until she felt numb, empty, and apathetic; a light purring broke her from her trance. "Luna, I'm sorry if I scared you" said Serena softly while rubbing the side of the cat's head. Collecting the black cat into her arms she headed towards her bedroom wanting nothing more but to rid herself of love and all the troubles that came with loving the dark haired man that had an iron grip on her heart.

Darkness filled her dreams a cackling laughter heard in the back ground while Serena ran not sure where she was headed until she saw him. He stood at the edge of cliff while waves crashed violently against the Earth. Rain poured on top of them thunder filled the sky, black and purple engulfed the normally blue skies as Serena ran towards him. "Darien please don't go I'm fine I swear" she yelled but it was too late he inched backwards, walking to his grave. Slipping towards the rocky terrain below Serena let out a blood curling scream, "No! I was here all along." Watching her true love fall to his death she fell to her knees the storm becoming more violent and the evil laughter coming closer, defeated Serena whispered, " I love you Darien, I'm sorry."

Feeling the tight grip on her chest, Serena shot up panting and gasping for breath. An uneasy feeling filled her stomach as she ran up to empty the contents of her stomach. Cleaning up she fell to the floor of her bathroom the cool surface providing a calming element. What the hell was that she thought? Who was laughing? And why was she telling Darien she was sorry?

Retreating back to her bed she glanced at the clock it read 5:45 the sun still hiding from the world. She looked up at the ceiling and felt a soft dip on her bed; Luna snuggled up to next to her and licked her face. An hour later the blonde and her feline rose. Serena felt better a slight headache courtesy of the night before but what bothered her even more was the feeling she could not shake. Something was going on right below her nose, maybe Darien knew something she considered. No she would not go to him for help she could figure it out by herself though she would ask Raye who was very good at dream interpretations or premonitions.

Sipping on some tea that morning, Serena felt mystery in the air an energy she had never felt before fill her before leaving once again. Her work week began just as fast as the weekend had ended and Serena looked forward to the school office she had grown fond of. Although she did mostly secretarial work she hoped to go back to school and become a kindergarten teacher. Still seeing the smiles and laughter of the small children filled her with happiness.

Two days later knowing it was her day to take the coffee run, Serena headed out early ordering her usual along with the three orders that went along with hers. Distracted by the dreams she had being having continuously Serena missed her order announcement only to have Seiya approach her with the four coffees.

"Everything okay with you?" he said concern in his voice.

"Yeah I'm fine just swamped" she replied her voice trailing off.

"I can see that" he motioned towards the different bags she carried filled with binders and more paperwork.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look today?" he said turning on the charm though she was in no mood today.

"Seiya…. I'm not really," she paused, "I'm just having an off day but thanks for being so sweet." A feeling of nostalgia filled her she knew him from somewhere else. Somehow she felt safe with this man another image filled her; the two of them in a rose garden, her singing while the stared at her admiration apparent in his eyes.

"It's the least I can do, plus these little interactions make my day" he said once again leaning in to put a hand on her forearm a genuine smile grazing his face. Sparks flew between the two before Serena felt something odd. A chill traveled up her spine something she had felt before somewhere else. Their eyes met and she pulled away she couldn't help but feel this wasn't the Seiya she knew.

"I have to run. I'll see you Saturday right?" said Serena in a rushed voice.

"Of course, Princess," came his smooth reply.

Blushing she headed out thinking maybe she was trying to make excuses for not trusting Seiya when he was good guy that until now had given her no reason to fret.

In a large mansion outside of the metropolis, an evil red-head woman callous as she was clever looked into her magical orb. Yes her plans were coming along quite nicely in seven days the ritual would be complete and the Moon princess would no longer be threat. Thanks to her pawn in this oh so tiring game of chess she would know where the princess would be as well as the rest of her pathetic court. Thought she had not plan on the prince, his generals, and her guards to all be present it seemed as though the universe was on her side. Smirking she thought yes I will kill two birds with one stone. She opened her hand to reveal the black crystal a dark light flickering off and on. She gritted her teeth, "Soon my pretty…."